Swabian-Alemannic carnival

Photo: 'Narrensprung' in Rottweil

Information in brief

• Carnival in the southwest German area
• Imaginative costumes, wooden masks are very common
• folklore with a long tradition

Description

The Swabian-Alemannic carnival, known as Fasnacht, Fastnacht or Fasnet, is a custom in southwest Germany with a long tradition. Every year, the fools take over the government of their towns and villages between Fat Thursday and Ash Wednesday. A large number of processions with all kinds of characters make their way through the streets during this time.

Photo: Carnival parade in Elzach

Not all the associations and customs have been in existence for centuries - some only for 20 or 30 years - but the processions, the costumes and the hand-carved wooden masks are always nice to see. The traditionalists include the associations in Villingen, Rottweil, Oberndorf and Elzach with their "Narrensprung" carnival parades, which are well worth seeing.